I have been checking out some Wera screwdrivers both online and in the printed catalog. Plan to try a few. I have some specific questions for those that use them.

I noticed on the the Series 300 (and some others) that the T15 blade length is only 80mm. At just a touch over 3" it seems quite short to me for a drive size that covers such a broad range of screw sizes in the middle of the field. #6 and #8 screws in all lengths. Has anyone found this to be and issue? Or the handle size to be lacking when used for longer screws?

On the torx with Holding Feature it is described as a force fit. How well does this work? Is it a problem fitting it into screws with a coating?

I probably have more questions to come .....

Seth

Logged

Festool USA does not pre-approve the contents of this website nor endorse the application or use of any Festool product in any way other than in the manner described in the Festool Instruction Manual. To reduce the risk of serious injury and/or damage to your Festool product, always read, understand and follow all warnings and instructions in your Festool product's Instruction Manual. Although Festool strives for accuracy in the website material, the website may contain inaccuracies. Festool makes no representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness or timeliness of the material on this website or about the results to be obtained from using the website. Festool and its affiliates cannot be responsible for improper postings or your reliance on the website's material. Your use of any material contained on this website is entirely at your own risk. The content contained on this site is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.

T15 is more common as a bolt/machine screw size for going into tapped holes. Therefore the extra torque of a longer blade is not needed for this application as T15 is quite a small size. For screwing into timber I would think too long a blade would apply too much torque and either strip the head or apply enough torque to shear the head in harder materials.

T15 is more common as a bolt/machine screw size for going into tapped holes. Therefore the extra torque of a longer blade is not needed for this application as T15 is quite a small size. For screwing into timber I would think too long a blade would apply too much torque and either strip the head or apply enough torque to shear the head in harder materials.

I hadn't thought about as a machine screw size although that is definitely common. So that makes sense that a shorter length would be good for that. For wood screws though it is very common with some brands such as GRK. All of their #6 and #8 (regular type head) screws are T15. I would think that the handle size would effect torque more than blade length and actually I think that a shorter blade would transmit with less energy loss than a longer one.

I was thinking just in terms of blade length related to using it for screws in general woodworking applications. It just seems like it would be short for that. EX - when having second hand on the blade to guide or steady the driver. But it could be that it is better. Not having used a screwdriver with less than a 4" blade on any regular basis. I don't know ..... just looking for thoughts on it.

The more disappointing one though is the ball end torx being that short. I know that pocket holes would not have been the intended use but if it was longer it would be great for that. I frequently will test the first row that I put in with a power driver to make sure I have a good clutch setting. Or on occasion adjust the tightness of one, etc. The ball end would make it easy to engage the deeply recessed screw head. But at 80mm the handle would be right up close to the work piece probably defeating the purpose compared to a longer driver.

Based on trigonometry, the longer the screwdriver the further you can move the handle away from the central axis, whilst still maintaining the same relative angle and the head not camming out. This then enables you to apply more mechanical advantage, i.e. torque, to the screw by rotating the screwdriver in a slight elliptical arc, as opposed to rotated more closely around the central axis of the screw.

HOWEVER - they aren't GRK screws . The original ones are T-15s - I must have put in spax brand ones at some point.

This brings up an interesting point raised by a few here. What's standard or common?

Seth says, T-15 ; I say T-20 ; and I had a look at a supplier today , and their two brands of #8s both had T-25 heads . . So it would seem there is no standard.

I prefer T-20 as it is more common for more of the fasteners I normally want to use for cabinetry and on the German appliances we typically specify. I can see where T20 might be a bit wimpy for framers or deck guys working hard all day. I just can't remember the last time I ran across something with a T15, which is prob. why I re appropriated the GRK boxes to hold screws with T20 heads.

I guess "common" all boils down to what's available at your local supplier.

Hi Seth,Been using this set for 4 years now.Wera Kraftform Kompakt 60 RA Ratcheting Screwdriver Set, 17-Piece.Part No.05051041001Very happy with it,you can get replacement blades by Wera or longer blades from other manufacturers as it is 1/4 inch drive.Ratchet function is key for me.Also I own other sets by this company and some individual screwdrivers too.Regards Goran

HOWEVER - they aren't GRK screws . The original ones are T-15s - I must have put in spax brand ones at some point.

This brings up an interesting point raised by a few here. What's standard or common?

Seth says, T-15 ; I say T-20 ; and I had a look at a supplier today , and their two brands of #8s both had T-25 heads . . So it would seem there is no standard.

I prefer T-20 as it is more common for more of the fasteners I normally want to use for cabinetry and on the German appliances we typically specify. I can see where T20 might be a bit wimpy for framers or deck guys working hard all day. I just can't remember the last time I ran across something with a T15, which is prob. why I re appropriated the GRK boxes to hold screws with T20 heads.

I guess "common" all boils down to what's available at your local supplier.

Yes, I think it is what is common by brand. I have noticed that compared to some other brands that GRK #8s have a slightly smaller head diameter. So maybe that is the reason for the T15.

Yeah, the T25 is probably better for deck building. And I have noticed that other screws oriented toward that market seem to have T25. And even GRK is T25 starting at #9. The GRK #9 are commonly available in big boxes here in sizes that would be used for decks.

Hi Seth,Been using this set for 4 years now.Wera Kraftform Kompakt 60 RA Ratcheting Screwdriver Set, 17-Piece.Part No.05051041001Very happy with it,you can get replacement blades by Wera or longer blades from other manufacturers as it is 1/4 inch drive.Ratchet function is key for me.Also I own other sets by this company and some individual screwdrivers too.Regards Goran

I have been trying out this Wera TX15 Ball End Torx driver. Though the length is shorter and handle size smaller than what I am accustomed to for driving larger size screws it works very well. Even at the shorter length it is excellent for use in pocket holes for hand driving pocket hole screws, checking how tight they are , or making adjustments. The ball end allows for a pretty steep angle and helps find the screw head recess hidden in the pocket hole.